Methods, algorithms and signal processing means utilizing the harbinger wave to forecast and signal an imminent shock wave and determination of its velocities, pressures, density and epicenter

ABSTRACT

Methods, algorithm and signal processing means utilizing the Harbinger (H) wave to forecast an imminent shock wave and in conjunction with the trailing Main (M) shock wave determination of the H wave velocity and M shock wave velocities, overpressure, dynamic pressure, and density and further the M shock wave epicenter location co-ordinates and beneficial applications are provided herein. These parameter determinations are based on the discovery of the existence of a Harbinger wave launched upon formation of the M shock wave which annunciates the incoming M shock wave before its arrival. These variables are further used to devise methods and systems that utilize the information to deploy just in time personnel and/or equipment protection, determine the wave epicenter for the purpose of identifying enemy combatants and rogue terrorist positions, alert response teams to a deleterious event and its magnitude, signal in real time the location of these deleterious events and determine if a munition, friendly or enemy, has functioned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to a Harbinger (H) wave method,algorithm and signal processing means that forecasts and signals anatmospheric explosive or impact/launch generated Main (M) shock waveand, more specifically, the determination of the emerging H wavevelocity and trailing M wave's velocities, pressures, and density andfurther the location co-ordinates of the explosive, impact, or launchepicenter and the beneficial applications of these parameters.

BACKGROUND

Presently an explosive detonation, projectile impact or launch generatesan M shock wave that is not detected until heard, felt, or sensed withelectrical pressure or acoustic devices; which, even in the case of theelectrical sensing devices, is a late time annunciation of the event;that is, after the application of the shock or launched projectile'sdestructive effects on humans or equipment. This invention utilizes thediscovery of a direct current (DC) electromagnetic pulse (EMP) called aHarbinger (H) wave. The EMP spectrum spans DC to light waves, thus anemerging shock M wave from an explosive blast, projectile impact orlaunch event emits a DC ionized mass slug upon formation, that is,ionization is broadcast from shock formation. The mass slug is a part ofthe Newton reaction component from the action of shock formation andanalogous to a gun fired from a moving object in the same direction asthe velocity vector of the moving object. The velocity of the bullet isthe muzzle velocity plus the velocity of the moving object. In theHarbinger wave case the shock formation event fires an ionized mass slugat its velocity giving the H wave mass slug an initial velocity of twotimes the velocity of the emerging shock M wave.

For an explosive generated M shock wave, formation is at the outer edgeof the visible fireball prorogating outward from the detonation point.Impact shocks from projectiles striking a target are formed at thecenter of impact. A projectile's accompanying launch device forms ashock at exit from a launch device such as a gun. They all emerge as asingular shock event propagating outward from their source and all areled by the H precursor wave.

The M wave emerging shock traveling behind the H wave is a quantum eventled by a discontinuity which is a rapid rise from one state ofenvironmental conditions of pressure, temperature, density, velocity andconductivity to yet another higher state. The thickness is expressed inMean Free Paths or the average distance traveled by a moving particlesuch as an atom or molecule between successive collisions and, due toHeisenberg's Uncertainty Theorem, not a directly measurable quantity.This discontinuity led M shock wave is frequently applied to variousapplications such as military weapons. For example, a shock applied tothe human body will rupture ear drums, collapse chest cavities anddestroy brain cells or otherwise re-arrange the neurons. Mechanical andelectrical equipment is especially sensitive to a shock and results incessation of the equipment's mission. Shields to prevent mechanical orbiological damage typically comprise robust and massive deflectors orgas operated protection such as air bags. To effectively deploy thesedevices a priori knowledge of the event is required as for exampleactive protection such as back-blasts, to null the effect of an incomingshock wave, must be detonated within several microseconds of the shockarrival. Further the origin of sniper fire, explosive detonations, orprojectile impact takes hours or days to determine. In the methodsdescribed herein annunciation of detrimental shock formation is in realtime.

In addition to taking protective action on a potentially damagingexplosive/impact/launch shock event, it is desirable to intentionallygenerate a DC EMP H wave for detection by other explosive hardware forthe purpose of simultaneity of detonation to achieve energy focusing.The H wave is also suitable as a first alert annunciator which whenreceived by a magnetic capture device will signal police, fire andmilitary command centers that a destructive event has transpired and inthis application is ideally suited for munition damage assessment.Further when a shock is formed and the H wave is created, there are nowtwo waves, one the M shock wave created during blast, impact, or launchand the second is the newly discovered H wave that is the result of theaction of M shock wave formation. Sensing the speeds and the differencein arrival of the two waves, the radial distance to the source isdetermined. Placing additional sensors at a different locations allowstriangulation to the source of the M shock event; similar to seismicstations triangulation to an earthquake's epicenter.

Current art to locate a sniper attack (launch location) or determine thesource location of an explosive detonation or projectile impact utilizeman in the loop investigations. For instance a bullet entrance and exitfrom a target is analyzed to determine the trajectory and estimatevelocity. The source is then determined by back geometrical calculationsto the epicenter. Further the location of an explosive detonation isdetermined by analyzing the debris field or the painstaking analysis ofseveral cameras, frame by frame. The current art for simultaneity ofmunitions requires that all munitions be connected together electricallyto receive at best a microsecond jitter (the uncertainty of absolutetiming) detonation signal. Utilization of the Harbinger wave removes theelectrical connections and their associated costs and complexities,replaces the electrical hardware of each array element with a <$100magnetic capture device, and yields jitters an order of magnitude ormore less.

Accordingly, a need exists for a H/M wave algorithm and signalprocessing means to forecast an explosive, projectile impact or weaponlaunch generated shock wave, its dynamic variables of velocity,overpressure, dynamic pressure, density, and the location of the event.The information allows protection to be deployed such as back blaststhat null the deleterious effects of a shock M wave, initial assessmentof the event damage, and further determination of the co-ordinates ofthe source (detonation, impact or launch) location for immediateresponse. In this manner response teams, both military and civilianpolice forces, can locate events within seconds and form the appropriateactions.

SUMMARY

In the embodiment, a magnetic capture device will intercept theHarbinger (H) wave mass and Main (M) shock wave mass entering a slit ina magnetic capture device. The wave masses will interact withmagnetically stored electromagnetic energy and their kinetic energy willtransform to electrical energy which is picked up by a recording devicesuch as a high input impedance (10 megohm to 100 megohm) oscilloscope,thereby producing an open circuit output voltage pulse. A signalprocessing algorithm is applied to extract the H and M velocityinformation and M wave shock properties and further utilizes theinformation to devise beneficial methods and systems such as human andequipment protection deployment, simultaneity of munitions, first alert,and real time event epicenter location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiment set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following brief description of the illustrative embodimentscan be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts the formation of the discovered H wave.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of the magnetic capturedevice and application of the measuring technique for capturing the Mshock wave mass and its H wave mass precursor's open circuit voltagesignal.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts the algorithmic and signal processingmethod to extract the H and M shock dynamic properties.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts the algorithmic and signal processingmethod to locate the source co-ordinates of the shock event epicenter.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts the intentional generation of a DC EMP Hwave pulse to obtain simultaneity of munitions for the purpose of energyfocusing.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts the Harbinger wave applied to first alertand shock wave protective device applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the formation of the Harbinger H wave from the Main Mshock wave. An explosive detonation to produce a train of impulses ofdifferent amplitude pressure, and velocity is shown. As the chemicalreaction progresses the slower pulses of lower pressure amplitudes areovertaken by the faster pulses of higher pressure amplitudes andconstructively interact forming one major event called an M shock wavewhich is formed at the edge of the fireball and propagates in the openair media. As it propagates down range from the fireball it consumes thematerial in front of it forming a mass that is drug behind it. The massis shown in FIG. 1 as the dark bold line of the M shock wave. Thispropagation of an explosive event shown on the drawing occurs outsidethe visible fireball witnessed in the detonation of explosives. Insidethe fireball is called the near field of an explosive event and itsradius of propagation is limited. It is chaotic and defined by manyimpulses spaced in time with different pressure amplitudes, velocitiesand durations. At the limit edge of the fireball when the M shock waveis formed it shoots out the H wave mass at its velocity. This H waveshown on the drawing is not a shock, rather a DC ionized mass slugpropagating front emitted upon formation of the M shock wave, that is,ionization is broadcast due to shock formation. The creation of the Hwave in this manner also applies to impact and launch generated shocksas they follow Newton's laws of action-reaction.

The broadcasted H wave is a part of the Newton reaction component fromthe action of M shock formation. Various embodiments of the H waveformation, as well as methods, algorithms and signal processing meansutilizing the H wave to forecast and signal an imminent M shock wave, inconjunction with the M wave determine the M wave epicenter,intentionally generate an H wave to effect simultaneity of munitions andfocus energy, and determination of H wave velocity and M shock wavevelocities, pressures, and density will be described in more detailherein.

FIG. 2 depicts an M shock wave and H wave magnetic capture device. Thisdevice consists of a plastic holder forming a constant area channelanalogous to a light slit, permanent magnets with North Pole facingSouth Pole to create a constant magnetic flux field (B) within theconfines of the channel and orthogonal conductive pick up terminalsseparated by a distance (D) to complete the electrical circuit as the Hwave and M wave masses generated by an explosive detonation enter theslit and pass through the magnetic field while simultaneously touchingthese pickup terminals. The masses, 1) the mass drug behind the M shockwave during propagation outward and 2) the DC ionized mass launched atthe time of M shock wave formation, are considered fluids withelectrical properties of magnetic permeability and electricalconductivity. As the M and H wave masses are non-magnetic theirpermeability is μ₀ and a constant equal to 4π*10⁻⁷ henries per meter.The electrical conductivity, which is equal to an internal resistancedesignated R_(I) for the geometry within the capture device as the fluidmasses transit the slit channel of FIG. 2 however varies from kilohmsfor the M wave to megohms for the H wave. A meter/recorder is connectedto the output terminals of the capture device to measure the opencircuit voltage wave. In the limit the definition of an open circuitvoltage measurement is a voltage measurement into an infinite impedance.In this quantum limit the measurement would require only one electronand R_(I) could be neglected. Practically R_(I) cannot be ignored as itis a significant portion of the standard input impedance to ameter/recorder. To prevent the voltage from significantly droppingwithin the fluid and contaminating the output data signal two preventivemeasures are undertaken:

The length of the co-axial hook up cable is kept to 6 feet or less toprevent signal current generated by the H and M waves from capacitivelycoupling to ground and dragging a reactive component of current thruR_(I) dropping voltage in the fluid masses rather than themeter/recorder input impedance circuitry thereby contaminating the opencircuit voltage measurement.

To prevent the R_(I) value from becoming a significant percentage of thetotal input resistance of the meter/recorder circuit, thereby againcontaminating the open circuit measurement by dropping a significantportion of the voltage within the fluid, high impedance probes areconnected to the input of the meter/recorder. These standardoscilloscope probes effectively increase the input impedance by 10 inthe case of the M wave and 100 in the case of the H wave of the industrystandard 1 Megohm with 10 Pico farad capacitor meter/recorder inputimpedance.

FIG. 3 depicts the H and M wave dynamic properties extraction algorithm.In the M shock wave there are two velocities one called the shockvelocity, the other the particle (fluid) velocity. The shock velocity isthe velocity measured by the magnetic capture device and is thesummation of the particle velocity plus the Alfvén wave velocity. TheAlfvén wave velocity is the charge transport mechanism that poolselectrons on one pickup terminal and ions on the other. It is generatedwhen the fluid plucks the strings of the magnetic B field. Shockvelocity is analogous to a runner on the deck of a ship running with theship's movement. The runner's total velocity is the runner's velocityplus the ship's velocity.

First a Fourier transform of the M wave signal (top line of algorithm)is taken and the highest and strongest spectral component is identified,which is the Alfvén frequency F_(A) generated by the M shockdiscontinuity front. The purpose of this identification is to computethe Alfvén wave velocity by first computing the Alfvén rise time R_(T)by taking the inverse of 2π*F_(A) and then dividing the result into D/2,the midpoint of the channel, to produce the Alfvén wave velocity V_(A)which is the speed at which electrons are pooled at one pickup terminaland ions on the opposite terminal. Secondly the shock velocity of the Mshock wave and the particle velocity of the H wave are computed in thesecond line of the algorithm. To obtain the M wave particle velocityV_(A) is subtracted from the computed V_(MSCHOCK) to yieldV_(MPARTICLE).Velocities identified, Newton's laws are applied in the final two linesto produce the M shock wave density, ρ_(MSHOCK), of the mass the M shockwave drags behind it, and its overpressure, P_(OVERPRESSURE), anddynamic pressure, P_(MDYNAMIC).

FIG. 4 depicts the use of the H and M waves to determine theco-ordinates of the epicenter of an M shock wave event. As in FIG. 3 thefirst two lines of the algorithm identify the particle velocities ofeach wave for each sensor. The radial distance equations are then set upin line 3. R_(M) and R_(H) are the radial distances to the shockformation and T is the elapsed time. In the 4th line the equations ofline 3 are differenced and the delta time (ΔT) between wave arrivals ata sensor read from the analog wave signal. The radial distance R_(R) ofa sensor from the shock wave formation is then computed in line 4.Finally the intersection of all of the sensors R_(R) are plotted toreveal the epicenter.

FIG. 5 depicts the intentional generation of an H wave to obtainsimultaneity of munitions' detonation for the purposes of energyfocusing. As shown in the figure an explosive H wave generating chargeis placed equidistant from each element of an array of munitions orexplosive charges. Attached to each munition or charge is the magneticcapture device of FIG. 2. The capture device is electrically tied to thedetonation fuze circuit of the munition or charge. When the H wavearrives it detonates the array munitions or charges at the same time.

FIG. 6 depicts the Harbinger wave use as a first alert device and shockwave protective device, active or passive, actuator. The H wave is firstcaptured by the FIG. 2 magnetic capture device which produces an analogH wave signal. This signal is sent through an electrical peak voltagedetection circuit, digitized and converted to the Harbinger velocity.This signal is then broadcast to police, fire and military commandcenters annunciating that a destructive event has transpired. In thecase of shock wave protection and countermeasures the signal is tieddirectly to the deployment circuits for actuation of a protectivedevices such as shields, airbags, or back blasts.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Harbinger (H) and Main (M) shock wave capturedevice and method utilizing high input impedance circuitry to record theopen circuit wave voltage signal, said method comprising the steps of:Interdicting and capturing the formed H and M wave masses of FIG. 1 byplacing the wave capture device of FIG. 2 in the flow thereby directingthe waves thru a magnetic field which generates an Alfvén wave thatpools electrons on one pickup terminal and positive ions on the oppositeterminal. Connecting a 10 to 1 voltage probe for the M wave and a 100 to1 voltage probe for the H wave from an oscilloscope or other voltagemeasuring device/recorder with 1 megohm in parallel with 10 picofaradcapacitor input impedance to the pickup terminals of the FIG. 2 capturedevice. Recording at a minimum of 1 MHz frequency resolution the opencircuit voltage wave generated by the H wave and M shock wave masses'transit thru the magnetic field.
 2. A signal algorithmic method per FIG.3 for utilizing the captured wave voltage open circuit signal todetermine the velocity of the broadcasted H wave and the velocities,overpressure, dynamic pressure and density of the M shock wave, saidmethod comprising the steps of: Determining the peak voltage of the Hwave and M shock wave signals captured and converting the voltages to Mshock velocity (V_(MSHOCK)) and H wave particle velocity (V_(HARBINGER))by the following equation: V_(MSHOCK/HARBINGER)=Volts_(peak)/B*D where Bis the static magnetic field in Teslas and D is the internal distancebetween the capture device pick-up terminals in meters shown in FIG. 2,the result being in meters/second. Identifying the Alfvén wave frequencyF_(A) and rise time R_(T) by taking the Fourier transform of the Mvoltage wave and identifying the highest and strongest component in thespectrum and determining the Alfvén R_(T) by taking the inverse of 2πtimes the determined Alfvén frequency F_(A). Determining the Alfvén wavevelocity (V_(A)) which is the speed at which electrons pool at thepick-up terminal by dividing half the distance D between the magneticcapture device's electrical pick-up terminals shown in FIG. 2 by theAlfvén rise time R_(T). Determining the M shock wave particle velocity(V_(MPARTICLE)) by subtracting V_(A) from V_(MSHOCK) Determining theoverpressure (P_(OVERPRESSURE)) generated by the M shock wave by takingthe product of V_(MSCHOCK) and V_(MPARTICLE) times the media densityμ_(MEDIA) in front of the wave which is the ambient atmospheric densityat the time of measurement. Determining the density (ρ) of the M shockwave mass by the following equation:ρ_(MSHOCK) =V _(MSHOCK)/(V _(MSHOCK) −V _(MPARTICLE))Kg/m³ Determiningthe dynamic pressure generated by the M shock wave by the followingequation:P _(MDYNAMIC)=½*ρ_(MSHOCK) *V ² _(MPARTICLE)
 3. An algorithmic method ofFIG. 4 for utilizing the H and M wave voltage signal to determine thelocation of the casual epicenter of the H and M waves, said methodcomprising the steps of: Placing a minimum of two sensors at differentgeometric locations from the shock event. Determining the particlevelocities of both H and M waves as in claim 2 above for each sensor.Forming for each sensor the overall velocity equation of each wave withthe equation. R_(M/H)=m·T, where m is the H (V_(HARBINGER)) and M(V_(MPARTICLE)) respective velocities and R_(M/H) the distance travelledversus the T variable. For each sensor digitally plotting both waves ona graph. Digitally plotting the difference of H and M wave's velocitieson the graph. Determining the delta time (Δt) arrival of the H and Mwaves from the captured recorded signal in claim 2 above for eachsensor. Determining the R_(R) co-ordinate from the difference curve thatthis Δt yields for each sensor. This is the radial distance to the shocksource from each sensor. Triangulating the sensors to determine theepicenter co-ordinates of the event, that is determining the singularintersection of all radii.
 4. The method of FIG. 5 for purposelygenerating an H wave to simultaneously trigger an array of munitions forthe purpose of energy focusing, said method comprising the steps of:Placing an explosive sphere equidistant from an array of explosives ormunitions and detonating that explosive sphere. Indicting the formed Hwave by placing a wave capture device of claim 1 into each arraymunition and exposing it to the H wave flow thereby directing the wavemass thru a magnetic field generating an Alfvén wave that will poolelectrons on one pickup terminal and positive ions on the oppositeterminal. Connecting a 100 to 1 voltage probe for the H wave from a realtime voltage measuring device with 1 Megohm and 10 pico farad inputimpedance to the pickup terminals of the FIG. 2 capture device. Sensingat a minimum of 10 MHz frequency resolution the open circuit voltagewave generated by the H wave transit thru the magnetic field. Directlyconnecting the output open circuit voltage to the munition explosivearray element detonating circuit for the purpose of triggering munitiondetonation upon receipt of the H wave open circuit voltage.
 5. Themethod of FIG. 6 for capturing the H wave and alerting command centersthat a destructive event has transpired and deploying shock waveprotective devices, said method comprising the steps of: Capturing the Hwave with the magnetic capture device of claim
 1. Applying a peakdetection circuit to the first wave mass captured by the magneticcapture device and digitizing the resulting analog signal and convertingit to engineering units of velocity. Broadcasting the velocityinformation wirelessly to command and reaction centers for the purposeof annunciation that a destructive event has transpired and byexamination of the velocity how large the event is. Directly connectingthe velocity signal to the electrical deployment circuits of active andpassive protective devices for the purpose of actuation of theprotective device.